The Director of Internal Audit supports the Chief Audit Officer in administering a risk-based internal audit program that provides independent assurance over governance, risk management, internal controls, financial reporting, and compliance. This position leads assigned audits and program activities, evaluates the design and operating effectiveness of controls, and communicates results to business and executive leadership. The role also provides day-to-day leadership to audit team members and co-sourced professionals, supports risk assessment and audit planning, monitors issue remediation, and builds collaborative relationships across Bell Bank. The position exercises significant independent judgment while escalating strategic, high-risk, or sensitive matters to the Chief Audit Officer.

Responsibilities

Audit Program
- Support the Chief Audit Officer in maintaining a comprehensive, risk-based internal audit program aligned with Bell Bank’s size, complexity, risk profile, applicable requirements, and recognized internal audit standards.
- Lead significant components of the annual risk assessment, audit plan, audit calendar, resource planning, and ongoing monitoring of emerging risks.
- Develop, maintain, and enhance audit methodologies, procedures, templates, quality expectations, and written audit programs to reflect changes in operations, risks, regulations, and industry practices.
- Recommend changes to audit coverage, timing, scope, or resources based on changes in risk and business priorities.
Audit Procedures
- Plan, lead, execute, and review risk-based audits, advisory reviews, control assessments, and continuous monitoring activities across financial, operational, compliance, technology, and other business areas.
- Evaluate the design and operating effectiveness of processes and internal controls, including controls supporting financial reporting and FDICIA requirements.
- Establish audit objectives, scope, testing strategies, staffing needs, and timelines for assigned engagements.
- Review audit workpapers and reports for accuracy, completeness, clarity, sufficient support for conclusions, and conformance with internal audit standards and regulatory expectations.
- Identify root causes, assess risk and impact, develop practical recommendations, and communicate results timely to management and executive leadership.
- Lead opening, status, and closing meetings, including discussions involving complex or sensitive audit matters.
Audit Coordination & Support
- Coordinate audit activities and information requests involving management, external auditors, regulators, examiners, and co-sourced or third-party professionals.
  Provide day-to-day direction, coaching, review, and technical guidance to audit team members and other professionals supporting the audit plan.
- Monitor engagement budgets, timelines, deliverables, and resource needs, and resolve or escalate barriers to timely completion.
- Develop collaborative relationships with business leaders while preserving Internal Audit’s independence and objectivity.
- Serve as a subject matter resource on internal controls, risk management, audit practices, and effective issue remediation.
Reporting & Issue Tracking
- Prepare and review clear, concise audit reports, executive summaries, presentations, dashboards, and other communications for management, executive leadership, and the Audit Committee.
- Oversee the tracking and validation of audit findings, management action plans, corrective action deadlines, risk acceptances, and overdue issues.
- Identify recurring, thematic, or systemic control issues and communicate trends to the Chief Audit Officer and relevant stakeholders.
- Support reporting on Internal Audit performance, audit plan progress, issue status, and other key indicators.
- Promote knowledge sharing, professional development, consistent execution, and continuous improvement within the Internal Audit function.

Bell Bank Culture, Policy and Accountability Standards

Know and live Bell Bank’s values, bottom line, customer service standards, Golden Rules, and LOCBUTN by building personal connections with customers and employees and using their names as often as possible.
Conduct activities consistent with established Bell Bank policies, procedures and systems, the Code of Conduct, the Bank Secrecy Act and all applicable state and federal laws and regulations.
All employees are responsible for information security, including compliance with policies and standards which protect sensitive information.
Prompt and reliable attendance.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Education, Experience, and Other Expectations

Bachelor’s Degree in accounting, finance, business, information systems, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
8-10 years of progressively responsible experience in internal audit, external audit, public accounting, regulatory examination, risk management, or a related assurance function.
4-6 years of experience in the financial services industry is preferred.
Demonstrated experience leading complex audits, reviewing workpapers and reports, managing multiple engagements, and providing direction to staff or co-sourced professionals.
Experience with financial reporting controls, FDICIA, banking operations, regulatory examinations, and applicable banking requirements is preferred.
CPA, CIA, CISA, or another relevant professional designation is strongly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Ability to exercise independent judgment, manage confidential and sensitive matters, influence stakeholders, and escalate significant risks appropriately.
Proven leadership, coaching, project management, and resource coordination skills.
Exceptional analytical, critical thinking, research, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
Strong written, verbal, interpersonal, and presentation skills, including the ability to communicate complex and sensitive matters clearly to varied audiences.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, exercise sound judgment, work independently, and deliver high-quality work within established timelines.
Ability to build effective relationships, influence change, and maintain independence and objectivity.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and audit management or data analytics tools. Experience with AuditBoard is preferred.
Due to the nature of the audit function, must maintain a high level of confidentiality at all times.

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VP/ Director of Internal Audit